CHAPTER 322: CHAPTER 322 - SEVENTY MILLION

Structures that each Lord could build were always personalized, depending on their individual profiles and system abilities. These were rewards granted by the System whenever they achieved a rank-up. Because of that, every Lord had different kinds of structures and unique types that reflected their own growth.

There were, of course, common structures that all Lords possessed. Though each came with their own custom variations.

The other way to build new structures on a floating island was by acquiring specific blueprints. There were several ways to obtain them. By defeating other Lords, earning rewards from special events, or through certain Awakeners with special classes capable of constructing unique structures, though their creations worked differently from those built directly by the System.

"Honestly," Luna said, breaking the silence, "I’d be more than happy to bid for this blueprint myself."

Atlas turned toward her. "Don’t you already have your own aerial defense solution, Luna?"

"Yes, but we both know how valuable additional defensive structures are for any Lord," Luna replied calmly. "The more options we have, the stronger our overall defenses become. That’s why I’m certain this blueprint’s price will skyrocket."

Atlas nodded thoughtfully. "Let’s see how far the bidding goes this time."

Ember then chimed in. "You can also get blueprints from the Gacha, can’t you?"

"Yes, but so far, after using hundreds of tickets, I’ve only managed to get two defensive structure blueprints. And both are only effective for land-based defense," Atlas explained. "That’s why aerial defense has been a real problem for us, at least until our most recent victory."

"You’ve got quite a few aerial fighters now, haven’t you?" Luna continued. "But if you manage to win this blueprint, it’ll still be a huge strategic advantage for your entire territory. An extra layer of security that even your current air force can’t fully guarantee."

Atlas kept his eyes fixed on the panel, following the rapid pace of the bids as the numbers climbed higher and higher. Within moments, the price had already reached fifty-two million.

The host’s voice filled the hall, full of excitement and energy. "Fifty-two! Fifty-three! Fifty-four million! Do we have anyone else? Come on, don’t hold back now. This is your chance to claim a game-changing weapon of war! Fifty-eight! Fifty-nine! Sixty million UGD! Incredible! Who’s ready to go even higher?!"

"Sixty million," Atlas muttered quietly, watching in disbelief at how insane the bidding had become.

"I think I can go all-out for this blueprint," he said after a moment. "At the very least, I know my funds will be going toward something that can make a much bigger impact than just a single weapon or gear."

"But sixty million UGD. That’s absolutely insane," Ember said, leaning back in her seat with a sigh.

The host pushed the crowd again, calling for higher bids, and at that moment Atlas joined in, pressing his button. "Sixty-two!"

"Sixty-two!" the host shouted back, his voice booming across the hall. "Come on, who’s next? Raise it high, don’t be shy! Let’s keep this party going, keep those numbers climbing. Show me sixty-three, show me sixty-four, keep the heat up!"

The numbers did not stop. Sixty-three, sixty-four, sixty-five. Each rise made Atlas more tense. Every extra million felt like he poured out a small fortune. Still, this was a crucial choice. It would be far worse to leave empty handed or with something that had little impact, when he knew this could change everything.

The blueprint would improve every time a Lord increased in rank. That made it a long term investment. The more defensive options he owned, the more offensive choices he could use. An enemy might counter one form of defense, but another system would keep hammering them until they could not respond.

So having strong defensive structures together with capable forces in that field remained a deadly combination in Lord battles.

The bids kept rising. Sixty-six, sixty-seven, and still, the numbers climbed higher. How far was Atlas willing to go for this blueprint? Should he pour all his remaining funds into this bid? He couldn’t afford to be reckless; after all, he still needed money to keep his island operations running.

He would have to buy more materials, recruit new forces, and provide for everyone living in Gacha Haven. No matter what, he needed to leave at least twenty million UGD untouched.

The thought made Atlas even more aware of how much this moment meant. Until now, he had never spent such a huge amount of money on a single purchase. What once felt like a massive fortune suddenly seemed fragile. Especially now, as the price kept climbing.

"Sixty-nine million!" the host called out, voice filled with excitement. "Do we stop here? Or is there someone brave enough to take it further? Going once... going twice... counting down now! Three... two—"

Atlas froze, his hand trembling slightly. Should he go for it? Seventy million UGD...

Then, with a sharp exhale, he pressed the button. "Seventy!"

"Seventy million!" the host shouted, confirming the bid as the crowd stirred. He waited a few seconds, scanning the hall for another challenger. But none came forward.

And then, with a dramatic pause, he raised his hand. "Sold! The Skybreaker Ballista Blueprint goes to the bidder at seventy million UGD!"

Atlas exhaled deeply and slumped back into his seat, his body going limp with relief. Finally, he had secured the blueprint.

Luna smiled softly and gave a gentle clap. "I’m sure that was a very wise decision, Atlas."

"Yeah, Atlas," Ember added. "We can discuss the fund details later with the alliance, so you can focus more on gathering resources and maybe cut down a bit on your intense training."

Edrik bowed slightly before speaking. "Funds of that amount can be recovered easily, my lord. I’ll prepare a plan to cover the expenses and stabilize our finances soon."

Atlas opened his eyes again and gave a strained smile. "No, it’s fine. I’m just... a bit shocked. This is the first time I’ve ever spent that much. People really pushed the price of that blueprint to the limit. And only now do I realize. Some blueprints, even those classified as rank-A, can end up being more valuable than rank-S items." He paused, frowning. "Can that really be true?"

Edrik nodded calmly. "I can confirm, my lord. Every rank-S item you’ve pulled so far holds far greater value than tonight’s items. Even your Legendary-grade Wavebreaker Spear surpasses everything auctioned here."

"Thanks, Edrik." Atlas sighed again. "How much have I spent tonight? I guess after this, all we can do is sit back and watch what’s left on the list."

The host continued the auction, presenting several more items, though none of them seemed particularly interesting to Atlas. Then came another moment, one that immediately drew everyone’s attention. This time, a birdcage-like stood at the center of the stage, covered by a deep red cloth that hinted at something significant beneath it.

As the attendant stepped forward and slowly pulled away the crimson covering, the crowd murmured in anticipation.

Something was revealed inside that made Atlas’s eyes narrow.

Wait, not something... but someone.

Inside the cage stood a person, chained and restrained within the metal bars.